WI-Aus second Test ends in a damp draw

Showers arrived 40 minutes before tea and there was no more play possible on the fifth and final day.

Port-of-Spain: Persistent rain spoiled a West Indies run-chase at 53 for 2 in pursuit of a teasing target of 215 in 61 overs against Australia as the second Test ended in a damp draw on Thursday. Showers arrived 40 minutes before tea and there was no more play possible on the fifth and final day at Queen's Park Oval. Australia, who had a 1-0 series lead after victory in the first Test, retained the Frank Worrell Trophy as it takes an unassailable lead to the third and final match in Dominica.

Captain Darren Sammy's unbeaten 30 off 26 balls ignited West Indies' charge after his counterpart Michael Clarke declared Australia's second innings on 160 for 8 midway through the second session. Fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus (2 for 22) landed two early blows for Australia with the wickets of both openers. Left-hander Kieran Powell, promoted as the hosts showed aggressive intentions, was plumb leg before to an inswinger while Adrian Barath sparred at one that left him and edged to Clarke at first slip at 13 for 2. Sammy lashed four fours and a six to quickly shift the momentum back to the Caribbean side.

But steady showers, which had also badly affected day four, returned to have the final say. Darren Bravo was unbeaten on 8 at the end. Earlier, Australia stretched its overnight 73 for 3 to 160 for 8 before the confident declaration by Clarke. Fast bowler Kemar Roach completed his second five-wicket haul of the Test, claiming 5 for 41 to complete match figures of 10 for 146. Roach, who took three wickets on day four, added Michael Hussey (24) and Hilfenhaus (0).

The start of the final day was delayed for 45 minutes due to a wet outfield caused by Wednesday's deluge, which caused an abbreviated day four. But the home team started strongly on resumption, with Fidel Edwards finally gaining reward for a probing spell. Former captain Ricky Ponting struck three fours off 85 balls in compiling 41 before he pulled an Edwards short ball straight to deep backward square leg at 93 for 4.

Clarke followed two runs later, Sammy plucking a magnificent return catch in his right hand to derail the Aussies. Clarke scored 15 off 51 balls. But Hussey and Matthew Wade gradually calmed Australia's nerves with a busy stand that took their team to lunch on 123 for 5. The pair was aggressive after the break, showing Australia's keenness to push for a series-sealing victory. The stand reached 50 before Roach bowled Hussey off the inside edge and plucked out Hilfenhaus' off-stump three balls later.

When Nathan Lyon top-edged a sweep of Shane Shillingford to be caught by Sammy, the declaration arrived. Hilfenhaus gave Australia a dream start but Sammy tilted the balance before the rain arrived to spoil what may have been an absorbing finish. The third and final Test begins in Dominica on Monday.